A New Heart

I CORINTHIANS 13 – A CHRISTMAS VERSION

2009-12-10T13:31:00.002-06:00

I received this in an email this morning. Needless to say it was God's timing.

"If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another decorator. If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing. If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child. Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband. Love is kind, though harried and tired. Love doesn't envy another home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way. Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure."

Merry Christmas,
Carrie

Thankful for......

2009-11-17T08:56:00.003-06:00

I almost forgot how to login to this here blog.

Lot's happening around here.

Do you ever get a good stirring up, like God is trying to get your attention? Yep, me too! Today was that day. On the way to work, I almost, I'm talking within a hair, of getting hit by a semi and a suv. I'm still shaking as I type. I was able to miss all the action by hitting the ditch. I'm fine and car is too. Like I care about the car, cause believe me I don't. I say that to say this. The lady in front of me that was hit, and I dodged, was really concerned about her SUV. She repeated a couple of times, "oh my truck." I told her that was only material and can be fixed and that she was a very blessed lady for being able to walk around. She was slammed by this semi and walked away. We had to get her out on the passenger side and there was smoke coming from the steering wheel. I say, "thank you God!" It's sad how important stuff can become a part of our lives.

Needless to say my heart is full...spiritually speaking! I hate that the accident happened, but it was such an awakening to me. Life is short. We all know that, but how much more I appreciate the busy, hectic life I live. Yes, I love it! There, I said it!! If you ever catch me complaining again about it, remind me of what I just said.

Changing gears here..

To those of you who are wondering about Mom, she is doing good. She had another pic line put in a couple of weeks ago. This was a miracle in itself, being that they told her the last one they put in, would be the last. It's amazing what God can do. We thought she would get a port in, but this cannot happen for various reasons. So, for now it's gonna be pic lines. Keep her in your prayers!

Going all over the place here with this post. Please bear with me.

What can I say about those Hornets!! Are we doing some major stinging or what? These young men have made HISTORY in our town. We are in the 3rd round of the STATE PLAYOFFS for the first time in our school's football history!!!! To say I'm PROUD of them is an understatement. I'm get plum weepy every time I think about it or read about it! I'm so thankful son #1 has had the privilege to be a part of this very exciting time. This team's success is long overdue. A direct result of the hard work and dedication from the coaches and players! We are behind you HORNETS!! Thanks for all you do and have done! We love to watch you play! Guess that's a wee bit obvious;-) Sorry, we get a little excited..lol! I think I've totally embarrassed son #1! He may never be the same..lol!

This Thanksgiving season, I'm gonna have a little more to be Thankful for!

Love and prayers,
Carrie

One Month....

2009-10-11T18:06:00.003-05:00

That's how long it's been since I've posted on this here blog. Times flies, when you are nursing the sick. Yes, both of the boys have been sick. Son #2 missed a whole week of school a couple of weeks ago and now son #1 has the swine. Son #2 is well and the swine has turned out to not be such a big deal. Of course that's coming from one who hasn't had the headache, fever, chills, aches..etc. All that to say, "Thank you Jesus for watching over them."

This past month has been so full. I have found myself on the verge of who knows what;-) Stressed so that I didn't feel like my skin fit me anymore. Weird I know. But true. I hate that feeling. It's only when I finally let go and let God, that I began to feel peace. I need peace.

Peace.

Wonderful peace.

Churches have to have it.

People have to have it.

The world needs it.

Why then do we make it so hard to get it, then keep it?

If only we could overlook one another faults/failures and just be. I'm talking to me here....no pointing fingers. God is working with me on this. When you ask Him to reveal your faults, you better be prepared to swallow it. The pastor said a couple of weeks ago about how he hated to deliver some messages that God laid on his heart. He could feel the coldness or avoidance of some who may have taken the message as a slap in the face or you are talking about me, when in reality he was only the messenger having no clue who was the guilty party. And man that really got me good. Guilty. Yes Lord yes.

We just came out of revival this past week. I love revival. I need it. I really needed to hear what this sweet little country sister in Christ had in store for us. She has written 28 songs just this year. The Lord lays them on her heart after hearing a sermon, or maybe a conversation with someone in the grocery store. She is stinking hilarious to boot! One song in particular stepped on my toes it was about being on-line with God. She said she doesn't have internet at home. She and her husband get on-line with God. They sit on their porch and drink their coffee and spend time with God. Ouch!

Which got me to thinking.

What am I doing with my time?

A whole month has passed since my last post and I can't tell you anything significant that I've done for God. And from the first paragraph you read, I have lots to thank Him for. I should be about the Father's business instead of ........ I'm convicted y'all.

I want to be able to keep everyone up to date on Mom. Which btw, she is doing well. She had a little weird thing that happened last week at her monthly appointment. Her pic line had made it's way to her liver. Have you ever? Apparently they measured her line wrong and it was too long. Whatever. Anyway, she is good now.

So...all that to say..... the posts my be few and far between, depending on how Mom is and if any praise or prayer requests need to be addressed.

Until next time....

Love and prayers,
Carrie

Belated Birthday Wishes!

2009-09-11T08:32:00.002-05:00

Yes, wishes it is! On Sept 9th we celebrated son #2's birthday, along with his Dad. Son #2 made an unexpected appearance on Hub's birthday 11 years ago! Just ask my sister C. She and Hubs had a typical phone conversation...lots of pun intended of course;-)...over a not-so-typical topic, from the doctors office. For some reason;) Hubs didn't believe sister C when she preceded to explain to him my "heartburn" was indeed labor pains and he best be getting himself to the hospital asap. Needless to say she hung up on him;) LOL!

How do you like the Easter/Birthday in September? Me too;-)

Happy Birthday you two! Love ya lots!!

Mom

Drum Roll.....

2009-08-30T09:05:00.002-05:00

I apologize for being late with the winner announcement of the new Selah CD. Life has been happening....smile...and sigh.

So without further ado....let me introduce the winner..........Deedra! This CD is awesome and I prayed that God would pick the one that He wanted to have this. Enjoy Deedra!!

Changing gears just a bit....

Just for the record......Hornets are, "TEAM OF THE WEEK!" I've never cried at a football game before, but this much needed win, made my eyes sweat just a wee bit and my vocal chords got such a workout they are currently on strike. All worth it!! I'm so proud of the boys and coaches! They have really worked hard this summer and they deserve it!!

Carrie

Happy Birthday and Anniversary!

2009-08-25T08:49:00.002-05:00

Nineteen years ago today, I sobbed and nearly passed out on stage taking my wedding vows, on the same day Mom was celebrating her 46th birthday! We can't remember dates, so we try to cram as many celebrations on one day as possible;-) As for the sobbing and passing out, I really wanted to get married, I'm just a little on the nervous side;-) I thank God everyday that Hubs didn't leave me that day at the alter, while looking at the bride of Frankenstein;) I can imagine the thoughts that was running through his mind while he was looking into my Tammy Faye eyes and holding my elbows to keep me from tipping over;-) Memories!!!

All pun aside, my heart is so full this morning. I received such a blessing on the ride into work this morning. If you haven't purchased the new Selah CD, You Deliver Me....you must! With each song, I took a stroll down memory lane from our dating years to the present. I saw hardships, sickness, death. Those valleys then turned to laughter, joy and love.

Through it all we had to depend upon His Word.

Through it all He was there.

Through it all we had each other.

Happy Anniversary Hubs! Looking forward to the rest of our lives together!

Happy Birthday Mom! A little bird told me you got a "card" for your birthday!! I might as well tell it, since Dad announced your age to the church Sunday;-) Way to go Dad!

Carrie

P.S. I haven't done a give a way in a very long time. With it being Mom's birthday, I'll do what she loves to do...give. Leave her a Birthday wish and you will automatically be in the drawing for...yes....the new Selah CD! Winner will be announced Wednesday!

Anxious

2009-08-19T10:34:00.003-05:00

Anxious. That seems to be the norm lately. On every hand there is some crisis, be it health, jobs or family/children, I sense that overwhelming feeling. It's the kind that will make you physically sick. But God's Word tells us not to be anxious about anything. Philippians 4:6

How fitting, again, that God sends the right devotion(s) my way. In fact, 4 whole days were devoted to just this. I want to encourage myself and everyone who is facing an insurmountable task before them, or facing sickness for themselves or loved ones, carry these promises from God's Word in your hand, hearts and mind:

1. Be strong and courageous. Be not afraid or dismayed...for there is...with us...our God to help us. 2Ch 32:7-8 AMP
2. I will rescue you...declares the Lord; you will not be handed over to those you fear. Jer 39:17 NIV
3. Fear not..When you pass through the waters...they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned. Isa 43:1-2 NKJV
4. Be not afraid or dismayed...for the battle is not yours, but God's. 2Ch 20:15 AMP
5. In the world you have....distress and frustration; but...(take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted)...I have...(deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you) Jn 16:33 AMP
6. Our fears for today...worries about tomorrow...even the powers of hell...nothing in all creation will...separate us from the love of God. Ro 8:38-39 NLT

It's up to us how we handle our fears. Fear is a good thing. Fear should be a healthy respect that produces positive reactions/outcomes.

Praying for all those listed on the prayer request bulletin at church, and for others who were not.

A little update on Mom: she has a cold and will be in B'ham tomorrow for her monthly appointments at the transplant unit. So, we are believing this "cold" won't turn into anything more serious and all is well.

Love and prayers,
Carrie

You know you are old...continued

2009-08-06T11:36:00.003-05:00

Does anybody recognize my mistake on Son #1's b-day cake?

Who do you feel sorrier for...me or son #1?

Carrie

You know you are old when.....

2009-08-04T12:57:00.007-05:00

I've been hit by the organizing bug.

With baseball behind us, I feel the need to purge...like giving my closet an enema kinda purging. Free it of all unused items, and make it user friendly. Why after baseball you ask? When baseball season lingers on all summer long, the house goes to pot. Blogging gets tossed to the wayside...you see the pattern;-) By the time it's over, I feel the need to wipe the slate clean, organize something and slap some paint on. This years project...our closet. I would show you the before, but it's too scary, so when it's finished, I'll post the after. The before....just picture a walk-in closet with the classic rod down each side, with 2x4 shelving. Not poking fun at the craftsmanship, it was the thing back 17 years ago. And has worked very well, I might add. You may ask...if it ain't broke, why fix it?

Two words.... closet maid!

I'm still an old-school kinda girl so when I saw this........

I had to order one. I found this one at amazon.com....on $12 bucks! It will be perfect to hang handbags, ties, belts, scarves, etc. That way we will still have a touch of old school with the new.

I just had a funny thought. Hubby and I have had some senior moments here lately;-) So, we've been coming up with, "you know you are old when....." statements. For example, we went rafting over the weekend and was so sore the next day, we could barley walk. We were sitting at the table drinking coffee, me a watered, sweetened version of coffee, and hubby looks over at me and says, "you know you are old when you are sore from rafting and having to put fiber in your coffee." I add today, "you know you are old when you get all excited over a expandable coat rack and closet maid."

Carrie

Rise and Shine and Give God the Glory

2009-07-21T11:27:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone..long time no see:) Just wanted to stop in and say hi and let you know all is well. It's summer and we've been crazy busy.

I woke singing, "Rise and shine and give God the glory." Complete with hands motions and all. After the day I had a work yesterday, I needed pepping up. And that song will do it!

I wonder if taking a week off work is worth it?

Yes, it is.

We had the most fantabulous time! No reservations, no GPS, no schedule. Just a $10 Rand McNally , and we were off. We started out in Nashville, TN and ended up in Cincinnati, OH by week end, with Louisville, KY and Milltown, IN in between.

I was reminded also, there is no place like home. Home to family and friends. Why is it that after you've been gone, everything looks different? You seem like a stranger in your own home and town. Funny but true. Then once you are back at work, reality body slams you, and you feel all normal again.

If you are wondering about Mom, well, she is fine:) She did a happy dance after her last antibiotic IV. Way to go Mom! Now she is feeling better and we are praying each day brings her strength and healing.

Carrie

So true.....

2009-07-09T12:21:00.003-05:00

Eugene Petersen writes: "Every day I put love on the line. There's nothing I am less good at. I am far better in competition than love; far better at responding to my instincts to get ahead, than at figuring out how to love another. I'm schooled and trained in getting my own way. And yet I decide every day to set aside what I do best, and attempt to do what I do very clumsily-open myself to the frustrations and failures of loving, daring to believe that failing in love is better than succeeding in pride."

Deep isn't it. I had to re-read it a couple of times. My favorite is the last part...."failing in love is better than succeeding in pride."

When I read this I thought of the game we lost last night. What does this have to do with a ball game?..not really sure..it just reminded me that competition is just that. I love a good game of baseball.....don't get me wrong. It's just competition tends to bring out the worst in me. Mr. Petersen just reminded me that I would rather lose a ball game playing fair and square, with sportsmanship in tow, than win the state championship. Not that the other team cheated last night, however, I felt we were ripped on a call or two;), maybe the other team were using illegal bats:), sorry for the rant there...but I'm proud of our team for holding their heads high and giving it their best.

Oh what lessons we learn from the agony of defeat!

Really, being watchful of our words and honoring Jesus in all we do, even in defeat, we will be over comers!

Carrie

Mom's Home!

2009-07-06T12:46:00.003-05:00

She's back! And proud of it. Mom got home from the hospital late Friday afternoon. After a few attempts, they finally got the new pic line in. She has quite the supply of antibiotics that Dad has to administer (via IV) every 24 hr. and another one every 8 hrs. Dad should be grandfathered in as a nurse by the time Mom gets a new heart. I have to brag on him some, he has really been a trooper and takes really good care of Mom. They hardly ever let us help them do a thing.

So for now, Mom is catching up on some much needed rest and sleep. Hopefully after the 2 week antibiotic regimen, she will be back to where she was before the infection. Continue praying that this pic line will work until she can get a new heart.

I just want to thank all of you for your prayers. Would you please whisper a prayer of thanks to God. I give Him all the glory!

Carrie

Ice Cycle Pickles

2009-07-02T08:14:00.003-05:00

Ingredients:

Cucumbers
Salt
Cold Water
Alum
Vinegar
Sugar
McCormick Pickling Spice

Directions:

Cut up cucumbers and place in a gallon size jar. Cover cucumbers with cold water. Add 1 cup salt and let set for 4 days. On the 4th day rinse, add 2 Tbsp. alum and cover in cold water for 24 hrs. Rinse and add vinegar (no water) and let stand for 10 days. Drain (do not rinse). Put pickling spice in a coffee filter or cotton cloth and tie with a string. Place pickling spice in jar and then add 3 cups of sugar each day for 3 days.

They do not have to be refrigerated. However, I like mine cold and keep a quart jar of them in my refrigerator at all times.

I love, love these pickles. I use them in tuna/chicken salads, on hamburgers, or just eat them with meals. Charlotte, my MIL, taught me how to make these. Thank you Charlotte! They are super easy to make!

Oh...the wax paper hats on the jars is not necessary....but my lids are getting old and I didn't want rusty stuff in my pickles;-)....plus it serves as a handy dandy label to keep me on track of the day I need to rinse/drain them.

Enjoy!

Carrie

PS...Mom is still in hospital. Today is the day for the new pic line. She will be coming home tomorrow, Lord willing. Say a prayer for her today. She is dreading this procedure, but looking forward to it all at the same time.

Work in Jesus' name

2009-07-01T09:02:00.003-05:00

The following is another timely devotion from, "The Word For You Today."

"....take a moment at the beginning of your workday when you sit down at your desk or your computer or in your home, and invite Jesus to partner with you. Tell Him, "Today, I'm not going to work by myself." Any time throughout your workday when you have a tough problem, ask Him for help. When you have a difficult decision to make, ask Him for wisdom-then listen and be really open. When you find your energy flagging, ask Him for renewed strength. When you find your attitude turning negative, ask Him to re-orient your heart. ....every few hours as you're working, pause two or three minutes. Thank Him for His help. Hand Him your worries. Ask for His energy. Every moment is an opportunity to be with Jesus. When you forget-and you will, when you mess up-and you will, remember this really important rule: there's to be no beating yourself up! Every moment is another chance. God just keeps sending them. That's grace. Every moment of your workday is a new chance for you to be with Him."

"Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." Colossians 3:17 NIV

Thank you Jesus for sending your Word to me today!

Carrie

PS....Mom is still hanging in there. Praying, God willing, tomorrow will be the day for the new pic line. The place on her arm looks better. It is drying up and peeling, so hopefully both are good signs. It looks like it will leave a scar. But as Mom put it, "what's another scar."

Update on Mom

2009-06-30T08:43:00.002-05:00

If I had another title to this post, it would be, " To God be the glory." That's exactly how I feel today. Mom is getting antsy. This is day 6 in the hospital. The place on her arm that is infected is looking better. She is hoping that maybe today is the day. Yesterday wouldn't have been soon enough for her.

As I was reading my devotion this morning, as usual, it was very timely. John 11:4, NKJV says, "That the Son of God may be glorified through it." We may not understand the whys of this world, but I do know that "God's time" is always "on time." He waits for two reasons: 1) that He may be glorified, and 2) that our faith may be strengthened.

I can praise Him this morning for allowing Mom to have lived through the heart attack and for the knowledge He has given man to perform heart transplants. I can praise Him for the length of time she had the previous pic line in...15 months...a record for her doctors. There is so much that speaks, "God", when I look back over the past 2 1/2 years .

So today I want to stand in the gap for Mom and encourage her. I want her to feel His presence so strong today. His grace is sufficient.

Carrie

Update on Mom

2009-06-26T08:58:00.003-05:00

After talking with Mom this morning, I wanted to give an update on her. After a couple of moves in the hospital, she is now on the Cardiac Floor. They removed the pic line.....aaaah relief. I can just hear her saying that. It's been 15 months y'all. They gave her the longevity award yesterday for the record of having a pic line in. Give it up for Mom!!! Those meds are now going through a regular IV, along with the antibiotics. They cannot put another pic line in until all infection is gone. She had an allergic reaction to some meds last night and her blood pressure was really low this morning.

Thank you for your prayers, thoughts, kind comments and all the love you give to me and my family!

Love to all,
Carrie

Prayer Request

2009-06-25T13:48:00.003-05:00

Popping in for a quick prayer request.

Mom has been admitted to the hospital. A post or so ago, I asked you to remember her. The pic line has become infected and they are going to keep her for a few days to try and get rid of the infection. Once the infection is gone, they will remove the pic line and try and put it in another vein, hopefully, in her arm. They think they have gotten to it before it got in her bloodstream. I hope so.

Please remember her in your prayers. She is NOT critical and would want me to stress that to you all. Remember she is always fine:) I love her sense of humor. I love her for being so stubborn. I love her for not wanting attention. But, I would feel better knowing that you all are praying for her. Y'all are some prayer warriors. And I thank God for each one of you. We just could not make it without you.

I'll update as often as I can on her condition.

Love to all,
Carrie

New Favorite Quote

2009-06-22T11:09:00.002-05:00

"Stop complaining, move forward in faith, problem (s) solved."

That was a summary of yesterday's Sunday School lesson. And boy was it timely! Thank you Jesus for bringing to remembrance your promise. I needed the scolding.

As you can tell, blogging has been a little lax lately:) I won't go into all the reasons why. But today I had a notion to share with you the aaaahaaa moment I had yesterday with the above quote. It may or may not be of any help to you, but it was exactly the lesson I needed to hear. Work has been stressful. Enough said:) Please pray. Also, I would covet your prayers for Mom. The site where her pic line is, has become infected over the weekend. As you know, this is her life-line and they attempted to try and move it to her chest area, back several months ago, to no avail. She needs this pic line to stay put and be healthy all at the same time. Thank you so much for the prayers!

Carrie

War Eagle!

2009-06-11T10:17:00.004-05:00

Not:) lol!! I just can't bring myself to say....well...you know. ;-) Sorry son:)

Carrie

Cutting the Apron Strings

2009-06-08T10:17:00.002-05:00

A little at a time we have to cut those apron strings. It hurts. But it's part of life. As I left son #1 at football camp, the unraveling began....165.8 miles, 3 hrs 24 minutes of unraveling...yikes! Thank goodness when something is unraveling, it's still hanging on, maybe just by a thread, but it's still connected. God willing, the string will hang on for a few more years.

Sigh.

Son #2 is also away from the nest....552.9 miles, 11 hr 54 minutes to be exact...double yikes! He's having the time of his life. Vacationing with grandparents is every kids dream. All the fun and ice cream you want!

Thus my somber mood today.

Empty nest syndrome.

But when I see the excitement on their faces when they are experiencing something new, I can't hold them back. It's time to spread their wings and do a little test flight.

Man it's hard.

Praying for their safe return!

Carrie

Sad News

2009-06-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

My dear Mawmaw passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 @ 1:00 am, cdt. We were by her side and watched as drew her last breath. She was very peaceful and just went to sleep. We felt God's presence so strongly and rejoiced as He held her hand as she crossed death's river.

We were blessed to have spent the last 5-6 days with her. It was such a time of reflecting and family togetherness that makes one weep and laugh all at the same time. Reminiscing with loved ones about how Mawmaw has always been the heartbeat of our family. She was a care-taker in every way. Very loving and generous with all she had to give. You didn't leave Mawmaw's house without some homemade cat head biscuits and gravy and most time her famous salmon patties to finish it off with. I'll never forget those times of sitting around and listening to her singing the funniest old folk songs you've ever heard, and also the good 'ole gospel sacred harp hymns. We sang those as we sat and watched her spirit leave this world. A true Christian lady would sum her up the best.

I pray that I will remember all that she was and try to be half the woman she was. I will miss her. Would I wish her back? Never. Her dementia is gone. She is reunited with Pawpaw,Uncle Ronnie and all her family and friends that have gone on before her. Most of all she is with Jesus. She has finished her course and kept the faith. For that I'm blessed. Praising God for allowing her to part of my life and the lives of my children.

Love you Mawmaw and look forward to seeing you again someday. Until then....
Carrie

Please Pray

2009-06-01T21:33:00.002-05:00

I've been behind in blogland due to the current crisis our family is in. My Mawmaw had a fall on Thursday afternoon and ended up with 7 staples in the back of her head. From there is has went downhill. She is now under Hospice care and in the hospital. I ask the you please pray for God's will to be done. Our prayer is for Mawmaw to go peacefully and quickly. It's been a long weekend and I'm completely and utterly exhausted. As are the rest of the family. But I'm so honored to sit and hold Mawmaw's hand for as long as she has breathe. She is our rock. I love her more than I can say.

I'll try and update as often as I can. Thank you so much for your love and prayers!

Carrie

Proverbs to live by

2009-05-28T15:16:00.005-05:00

As I was reading today's daily bible reading this verse spoke volumes to me: Proverbs 6:16-19, "There are six things the Lord hates-no, seven things he detest: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."

I'm so excited to be reading in the book of Proverbs, from the wise Solomon himself. And just how important it is to not only hear but really listen and apply to my heart? Very. This past Sunday School lesson was on Moses' attention getter, the burning bush, and just how important it is to really listen. I struggle with that at times. I've prayed and asked God to help me to not just hear His word but to really listen to His word. So when I read the words, Lord and hate in the same sentence, it got my attention. I know as a parent I can tell when one of mine are not really listening to my instructions. I know how upset that makes me feel, so I can imagine the disappointment the Lord has in me when I don't listen to what He is trying to tell me. But I also know that I still love them, no matter what, and He loves me even through my disobedience. But the boundaries are set. The instructions are given and there are consequences to be had if broken or not followed through. Tough love.

Wendy Pope puts it way better than I can, so visit with her today and dig a little deeper into God's Holy Word with her.

If you feel like sharing your daily walk with the Lord and this journey of reading through the Bible , please do so. You never know who might be blessed with what you have to say. Reading God's word is the main thing, whether it's Chrono style or not. I'm drawing so much strength from it and from knowing others are reading along with me.

Carrie

Grandmothers Are Special...especially at Awards Day!

2009-05-22T10:07:00.008-05:00

Gran and J

Mawmaw and J

Gran and J

Mawmaw and A

Mawmaw, A, J and J

These are two very special ladies in my life and to the lives of my children. I want to thank them both for all the love and support they give. God so graciously have spared both of their lives. Gran had open heart surgery 5 years ago for an aortic aneurysm. Mawmaw survived a massive heart attack 3 years ago and waiting for a heart transplant.

Ain't God Good!

Carrie

Received from Hubby via email

2009-05-20T11:02:00.002-05:00

WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS
Unmanaged stress can have a negative effect on your health and well-being, increasing your chances of being involved in an accident. The following are some tips to help you cope with stress in positive ways.

MAkE TiME TO RELAX. One of the body’s automatic reactions to stress is rapid, shallow breathing. To turn off this response and turn on your relaxation response, concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply. Also, stretch the muscles in your back, neck, shoulders, arms, legs, and upper body to release tension.

A vOid SMALL ANNOYANcES by planning ahead and expecting the unexpected. Eliminate small stressful situations by arranging travel schedules to avoid rush-hour traffic. Conduct thorough vehicle pre-and post-trip inspections to avoid mechanical delays or stress from receiving citations or out-of-service orders.

N EvER MAkE TOO MANY LifESTYLE chANGES at once. If you are facing one big change (as a new job or moving to a new home), wait until you have adjusted to it before taking on another stressful situation.

A LLOW YOuR MiNd TO ThiNk pOSiTivELY and shut out negative thoughts. Maintain a sense of humor and learn to laugh at the stressful situations and your reactions to them. Interact and socialize with people who have positive attitudes.

GET ENOuGh SLEEp. Adults need 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night (or day). Don’t eat heavy meals or watch TV in bed shortly before bedtime. Block out light and noise. Consider using a sleeping mask and/or ear plugs if necessary.

E XERciSE REGuLARLY by doing activities that you enjoy for at least 30 minutes each day. Find activities that can be done on the road or at home, such as walking, running, calisthenics, aerobic exercise, jumping rope, swimming, etc.

SiMpLifY YOuR LifE by eliminating unnecessary activities
and responsibilities and learning to say no.

T RY TO WALk AWAY from stressful situations or learn to handle them more creatively. Simply changing your environment can decrease your stress level. Stay calm.

REcOGNizE YOuR bOdY’S RESpONSE to stress so
you can learn to deal with it appropriately.

EAT REGuLARLY ANd NuTRiTiOuSLY. Consume less alcohol, sugar, and caffeine. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to strengthen your body’s immune system.

ShARE YOuR pRObLEMS. Discuss your concerns and stressful situations with trustworthy individuals, such as a family member, friend, co-worker, clergyman, or support group.

SEEk pROfESSiONAL cOuNSELiNG if the pressure becomes too great. Contact your company’s Employee Assistance Program for help in finding an experienced, confidential counselor. You can also contact your local mental health association or other counselors or enroll in a stress management class.

This card is provided as a service to the transportation industry by:
Protective Insurance Company
P.O. Box 7099 Indianapolis, IN 46207-7099 317-636-9800

His dream is to one day open up a nervous hospital in our little town. He figures that's where the money will be. JK!!!! We've got the "think positively" down pat. You have to laugh! We do!!!! Last night's ballgame was the perfect example on when to laugh.....believe me I did...and slept like a baby...no crazy dreams!!! YEAH!!!!!

As for the ear plugs...now there's an idea:)

Carrie